Abu Dhabi, UAE – The United Arab Emirates celebrates its National Day in 2025, marking a year of significant achievements in the economic, developmental, and clean energy sectors. This reflects the wise leadership’s vision for promoting sustainability and comprehensive progress.
Economy and diversification
The UAE economy delivered exceptional performance in 2025. Growth is projected to exceed the global average, reaching approximately 4.8% according to recent estimates by the International Monetary Fund. This underscores the strength of the macroeconomic foundations and confirms the success of the economic reform momentum.
The contribution of non-oil sectors reached 77.5% of GDP in the first half of 2025, putting the country on track to reach the 80% target before the “We Are the UAE 2031” deadline.
The UAE has also strengthened its position in competitiveness and entrepreneurship indicators. It maintained its leading position in the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2024/2025 report, reflecting a business environment conducive to investment and innovation and attractive to global capital.
Standard non-oil trade
Non-oil foreign trade recorded record levels during the first half of 2025. It exceeded one trillion dirhams, with a clear acceleration in the pace of openness and expansion of international partnerships.
Non-oil exports reached AED 369.5 billion, a 44.7% year-on-year increase, making the largest contribution to trade growth. This indicates the strength of the UAE’s production and export base.
Non-oil exports reached AED 369.5 billion, a 44.7% year-on-year increase, making the largest contribution to trade growth. This indicates the strength of the UAE’s production and export base.
Clean Energy: Barakah, a Model of Sustainability
The Barakah nuclear power plant completed its first year of full operation of its fleet in 2025. The four reactors provide about 25% of the UAE’s clean electricity needs around the clock.
In just 12 months, Barakah produced 40 terawatt-hours of emission-free electricity. This contributed to an annual reduction of approximately 22.4 million tons of carbon dioxide. This accelerates the energy transition and enhances security of supply.
Clean energy has enabled the UAE’s first low-carbon aluminum exports in August 2025. This step establishes a competitive industrial model supported by green electricity.
